Back-to-school means voter registration day is approaching at Norman North High School. So do the early hints of spring. High school librarian Molly Dettmann understands the value of hosting voter registration more than once a year, and the value of collaboration to make those events a success.

The Norman North High School (OK) librarian teams up with her local League of Women Voters to host annual spring and fall voter registration drives. The secret to their success? Student Council. The events’ impact grew significantly when seniors on Student Council were brought to the table, literally and figuratively. Peer-to-peer marketing of the voter registration days boosted student interest and participation, resulting in more new voter applications completed and submitted.

The partnership benefits the Student Council members, too, who work directly with League volunteers and get a firsthand experience of civic engagement in action. League volunteers help Student Council members answer any questions about the applications, and they hand deliver completed applications to the county election board.

In addition to the brand influencers on Student Council, the registration events are promoted through the school’s social media and via the student newsletter. Voter registration is offered during lunch, senior advisory, and to senior social studies classes. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to stop by and register or update their registration.

Through this and other library programs, Dettmann helps ensure her students are .

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